Solar powered a/c saver and utility shed

ABSTRACT

A solar cooling shed is provided for shielding an air conditioner/heat pump unit from heating by the direct rays of the sun is provided. The solar cooling shed increases airflow through a condenser unit via one or more fans, the fans being powered by off grid energy, such as solar photovoltaic energy, thermoelectric or stirling engines and the solar energy also providing alternating or direct current power outlets or both.

BACKGROUND

Air conditioning units depend upon heat exchangers to transfer heat from the interior of a building to the exterior. In most single family dwellings, this is typically achieved by an exchange of the heat stored in a working fluid to the outside air using a condenser. Typically, an air conditioner transfers energy out of the room by means of the condenser coil, which is outside the room (outdoors). That is, the room can be considered a thermodynamic system from which energy is transferred to the external environment. Thus, to be effective the condenser is typically located out of doors and utilizes a fan to speed transfer of energy from the condenser coil to the outside air. These are all often housed in a metal structure with vents and emit significant noise during operation.

However, because typical air conditioning units are designed for use in many climates inefficiencies often result. For example in sunny climates the condenser coil and its housing are exposed to heating from direct sunlight. This heating forces the condenser unit to work harder to exchange heat in sunny environments. Adding additional fan power further increases operating costs.

Modern houses often lack awnings, or eaves sufficient to block solar heating. Condenser units are usually placed at the least visible portion of the house, due to design, noise and aesthetic considerations. Thus usage of porches and other shaded locations is discouraged as these are reserved for aesthetic appeal or use by the resident. This leaves the condenser unit exposed to direct sunlight for much of the day, especially where it is placed at a southern exposure.

Many proposals have been made to address the solar heating of condenser units, including heat collectors/reflectors which rely upon thermal mass, shutter systems (which inadvertently trap heat when closed), screens which reduce airflow, and reflective shades or blocking screens which also reduce airflow.

Many homeowners install outdoor sheds for storage purposes. Items stored often include gardening tools and other seasonal outdoor items. These sheds are purchased at significant cost. Homeowners also purchase backup power systems to provide power to computing and communications devices during power outages.

Many homeowners are interested in obtaining some power from solar sources, however the cost to install grid tied systems is often prohibitive due to the need use licensed contractors and comply with regulations.

What is therefore needed is a unit capable of putting the solar radiation that would otherwise heat a condenser unit to work at minimal effort, while shielding the condenser unit from further radiation without reducing airflow or increasing utility consumption and also providing additional utility as a storage shed in order to defray its cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention a solar cooling shed is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention a solar cooling shed for shielding an air conditioner/heat pump unit from heating by the direct rays of the sun is provided.

In a further aspect a solar cooling shed which increases airflow through the condenser unit is provided.

In a further aspect a solar cooling shed which increases airflow through the condenser unit via one or more fans, the fans being powered by solar photovoltaic energy, is provided.

In yet a further aspect a solar cooling shed which increases airflow through the condenser unit via one or more fans, the fans being powered by solar photovoltaic energy, and the solar energy also providing alternating or direct current power or both is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a solar cooling shed.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a solar cooling shed.

FIG. 3 is an airflow diagram showing airflow throughout an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the electrical components of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system, method and device for shielding and cooling air conditioner condenser units. Generally, the solar cooling shed comprises a housing, solar photovoltaic system, and one or more fans. Optionally, the solar cooling shed comprises an energy storage device and alternating current supply. Alternatively other power systems may be used in conjunction with or in place of the solar photovoltaic system such as thermoelectric generators or stirling engines powered by the waste heat from the air conditioner condenser units. The present invention is now described by way of non-limiting embodiments.

In embodiments of the present invention the housing 100 may be a shed structure having a roof 101 and optionally one or more side walls 102, whether completely or partially enclosing a condenser unit 103. The housing 100 may also be completely enclosing of the condenser unit 103. The housing 100 may be composed of wood, plywood, vinyl, metal or a combination of materials. Preferably the housing 100 is constructed with materials which reflect light and heat. For example the housing 100 may be coated in reflective paint capable of reducing the heat absorption of the housing 100. Likewise energy efficient shingles may be used on top of and along the sides of the housing 100 to reduce heating due to sunlight. The housing 100 may optionally provide the features of a storage shed in addition, such as a door 104, window 105, or shelves 106, alone or in combination. The roof 101 may be flat or pitched.

In an embodiment of the present invention the housing 100 is substantially rectangular lean-to structure comprising a frame 107 having two shorter supporting studs 108 a and two longer supporting studs 108 b, one 109, four shoes 110, and two rafters 111, four sidings 112, and a pitched roof 113. The rise between the rafters 110 and the plate 109 is sufficient to locate a fan 114 preferably having an airflow of 1300 and 2200 CFM. Alternatively, the fan(s) 114 may be located lower down upon the sides of the housing 100. While the exact dimensions of the housing 110's frame members are not critical, they should be chosen to be larger than the cooling unit the housing 100 is to protect and to accommodate fans 114 preferably having an airflow of 1300 and 2200 CFM, though benefits will be had from both lower and higher airflows. It is also understood that the housing 100 may be made in any number of roof configurations including shed, lean-to, gabled, pitch and the like. Air intakes may be provided on the shaded back of the housing 100, located alongside a shaded wall, so as to draw the coolest microclimate air available.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, between the pitched roof 113 and the condenser unit 103 is an airflow bypass 115 which deflects hot air from the condenser unit's built in fan, preventing blowback and preventing the air from excessively heating the pitched roof 113 and solar panel 201, and venting it behind the pitched roof 113 which is offset from the airflow bypass 115. The bypass 115 is preferably a metal sheet that runs ¾ of the way down the pitched roof 113, directing airflow underneath metal sheet and upwards out of the back of the housing 100. The bypass 115 may of course be made of other suitable materials such as plastics, including low density polyurethane, wood, or any material sufficient to block and deflect airflow from a condenser unit 103.

The housing 100 may be assembled by any suitable connectors, such as common nails, brackets and the like. In further embodiments, the housing 100 may have a door or a door and window. The window may be located on the door or on one of the sides of the housing 100. In yet further embodiments, shelving may be provided within the housing 100, or in an adjacent exterior cabinet.

Alternatively, the housing 100 may be a frame structure supporting a roof 101

In embodiments of the present invention the solar photovoltaic system 200 comprises a solar panel 201 of wattage sufficient to power a predetermined number of fans 114. The solar photovoltaic system 200 may include a fuse 202, switch 203 and wiring 204 to connect the current to the fans 114. The solar panel 201 is mounted to the pitched roof 113 via mounting brackets 208.

Optionally the solar photovoltaic system may provide AC power for use by other devices via a battery 205, which is connected to a charge controller 206, the charge controller 206 being also connected to the solar panel 201, and an inverter 207 having at least one outlet, the inverter 207 being connected to the battery 205. DC power may be provided by a DC outlet connected to the battery 205.

When mounted nearer to the ground, the fan 114 serves to draw air into the housing 100, which is passed over the condenser coils and then vented up and out of the housing. When mounted near the top of the housing, the fan 114 pulls warm air out of the top airspace of the housing.

Alternatively a heat collecting area, such as the bypass 115, preferably a heat absorbing metal such as aluminum or steel, serves as a mounting point for a series of thermoelectric generators or one or more stirling engines, coupled to a generator, which provide electric power to one or more fans 114.

Example 1

An embodiment of the present invention was tested under operating conditions in a dwelling with central air-conditioning in the desert community of La Quinta, Calif. The A/C saver prototype, a housing comprising a lean to structure covering two sides and the top of the condenser unit and having two open faces supported a solar panel powering 2 fans. The side and top covering were ¼ inch plywood. Both of the sides contained a 90 W, 12V 7.5 Amp 14 inch fan. The condenser unit was a Carrier™ Model 38BRC060360, having a ¼ HP fan, the air conditioning system being charged with 12.88 lbs of R-22 refrigerant, and having a max rated pressure of 700 PSIG and a design/test pressure of between 150-300 PSI.

The roof of the housing supported a solar panel of 100 watts which was connected to the fan. The housing included an airflow bypass to move hot air beneath and out of the upper rear of the housing. The control was an unsheltered condenser unit, a Carrier™ Model 38BRC060360, having a ¼ HP fan, the air conditioning system being charged with 12.88 lbs of R-22 refrigerant, and having a max rated pressure of 700 PSIG and a design/test pressure of between 150-300 PSI.

In the control unit, the condenser fan ran for a total of 43 mins per hour to maintain a 65 degree indoor temperature. In the test unit with the A/C saver prototype ran for a total of 27 mins per hour to maintain a 65 degrees indoor temperature.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. An energy saving shelter comprising: (a) a housing, (b) at least one fan, and (c) an off grid power source, wherein the at least one fan is powered by the off grid power source and wherein the shelter surrounds an air conditioning compressor unit.
 2. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the off grid power source is solar photovoltaic.
 3. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the off grid power source is a thermoelectric generator.
 4. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the off grid power source is a Stirling engine coupled to an electric generator.
 5. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the at least one fan has a CFM of between 1300 and
 2200. 6. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the at least one fan is located in a shaded area created by the housing.
 7. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the at least one fan is located on a side of the housing and higher than the top of the air conditioning compressor unit.
 8. The shelter of claim 7 wherein the at least one fan blows air out of the interior of the housing.
 9. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the at least one fan is located on a side of the housing and lower than the top of the air conditioning compressor unit.
 10. The shelter of claim 9 wherein the at least one fan blows air into the interior of the housing.
 11. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the housing is a framed structure having a pitched roof.
 12. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises a door and interior shelving.
 13. The shelter of claim 12 wherein the door and interior shelving are separated from the interior of the housing by a partition wall.
 14. The shelter of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises a window. 